HITEC 2026 San Antonio: AI, IoT, and Smart Tech Meet Hospitality's Decision-Makers

HITEC 2026: The World's Largest Hospitality Technology Event Comes to San Antonio

Dates: June 15-18, 2026 | Location: Henry B. González Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Organized by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), HITEC 2026 brings together the most influential minds in hospitality tech. Expect practical education, real buyer engagement, and access to solutions that improve operations, revenue, and guest experience.

Why this matters to hospitality and events leaders

HITEC is the largest stage for hospitality technology, spanning thousands of square feet and packed with 50+ education sessions. It's where AI, IoT, and smart systems move from buzz to business outcomes.

• AI for revenue, marketing, service recovery, and guest personalization
• IoT and smart tech for energy, room controls, and back-of-house efficiency
• Payments, cybersecurity, PMS/POS integrations, and data governance
• Owner and asset manager perspectives on tech ROI and adoption

Who should attend

• Owners, asset managers, and executive leadership
• Technology, digital, and data leaders across hotel groups and management companies
• Operations, finance, and procurement professionals
• Resorts, clubs, restaurants, consultancies, and solution providers

Networking and deal flow

HITEC draws global decision-makers and qualified buyers. Over 40% of attendees report purchasing power of $500,000 or more, creating a direct path for vendor-buyer conversations and partnerships.

• Private buyer meetings scheduled outside exhibit hours
• High-value introductions with stakeholders from 55+ countries
• Sessions built for practical takeaways, not theory

Exhibitor playbook: How to stand out and win business

HITEC 2026 provides exhibitors with tools to increase visibility before, during, and after the show. The goal: quality engagements that lead to measurable pipeline.

• Enhanced exhibitor onboarding and customized online profiles tied to interactive floor plans
• Free promotional assets and press outreach to extend reach
• One-on-one buyer meetings during non-show hours for focused discussions
• Exclusive sponsorships, enhanced listings, and digital advertising options
• Thought leadership opportunities, including Exhibitor Tutorials and Technology Showcases

Attendee mix and global reach

Delegates from 55 countries are expected. Beyond hotels and management companies, you'll meet leaders from clubs, resorts, restaurants, and consultancies-expanding your market perspective and partnership opportunities.

San Antonio: Plan your trip

San Antonio's culture and hospitality make it an ideal host city. The venue sits steps from the River Walk, with easy access to dining, hotels, and after-hours events.

Getting to San Antonio: San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

San Antonio International Airport (IATA: SAT) is about 8 miles from downtown. It offers nonstop routes to 45+ destinations and is in the midst of a $1.7B expansion, including a new Terminal C with up to 17 gates.

• Ground transportation: VIA Metropolitan Transit express service to downtown
• Consolidated rental car facility connected via sky bridge from Terminal B
• More info: San Antonio International Airport

Where to stay near the convention center

• Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk
• Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
• Menger Hotel (adjacent to the Alamo)

Getting around

• Public transit: VIA buses and streetcar connections cover airport and downtown
• Ride-share: Uber and Lyft are widely available
• Walkable core: Convention center, River Walk, and the Alamo are close by

Off-hours: What to see

• The Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (UNESCO site)
• San Antonio River Walk for dining and nightlife
• The Pearl District for markets, eateries, and events

Dining and entertainment

• Tex-Mex essentials: Puffy tacos, enchiladas at Mi Tierra Café y Panadería or La Gloria
• Upscale options: Biga on the Banks, Cured
• Live music and cocktails along the River Walk and downtown

Your action plan for HITEC 2026

• Set 3 clear goals: pipeline, partnerships, or solution shortlists
• Map sessions to current priorities: AI pilots, PMS upgrades, guest experience, or payments
• Pre-book meetings with target vendors and buyers; use private meeting slots
• Bring finance and ops stakeholders to accelerate decisions
• Prepare a 1-page brief with KPIs, budget ranges, and integration needs
• Schedule follow-ups before the show ends to keep momentum

Build AI capability before you arrive

If your team is exploring AI for operations, service, or marketing, level up now so conversations at HITEC move faster. See practical, job-focused options here: AI courses by job.

HITEC 2026 will be a high-impact week for anyone tasked with improving performance through technology. Come ready with clear goals, meet the right people, and leave with a plan you can execute.

Image credit: HITEC LinkedIn